CRA $666.41 Children’s Special Allowance 2025 – Who Qualifies, Payment Dates and Full Details

The Canadian government continues its long-standing commitment to ensuring that every child in the country — including those in foster care or government-supervised facilities — receives the financial support they deserve.
One of the most vital programs designed for these children is the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA), administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

For 2025, the CSA benefit has been increased to $666.41 per child, per month, offering financial relief to organizations, institutions, and foster families responsible for children’s care and development.

This article explains everything you need to know about the 2025 Children’s Special Allowance, including eligibility criteria, payment process, monthly schedule, and application details.

What Is the CRA Children’s Special Allowance?

The Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) is a federal tax-free benefit provided to agencies, foster homes, and child welfare organizations that care for children under formal custody arrangements.

While the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) supports parents or guardians, the CSA serves as an equivalent benefit for children who do not live with their parents due to government care or custody.

It ensures that all children — regardless of family circumstances — receive equal financial support for basic needs, such as food, clothing, health care, and education.

CRA Children’s Special Allowance 2025 Overview

Category	Details
Department	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Program Name	Children’s Special Allowance (CSA)
Benefit Year	2025
Monthly Amount	$666.41 per child
Beneficiaries	Children in foster care or government custody
Payment Mode	Direct bank transfer
Tax Status	Non-taxable
Official Website	www.canada.ca

Why the CSA Program Exists

Children placed under government supervision often lack direct parental financial support. The CSA ensures that these children are not disadvantaged compared to others receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).

This program bridges that gap by providing equal monthly assistance to child welfare agencies, ensuring that the funds are used specifically for the care, upbringing, and well-being of the child.

In essence, the CSA ensures fairness — giving every child in Canada, regardless of their family situation, a fair chance to thrive.

Eligibility: Who Can Receive the $666.41 Payment

Not every child is eligible for the Children’s Special Allowance. The CRA outlines clear eligibility requirements for organizations and children under their care:

Child’s Age

• The child must be under 18 years of age.

Custody Requirements

• The child must be in the care of a government-approved foster home, institution, or child welfare organization for at least one full month.

Recognized Authority

• The organization or foster care provider must be formally recognized by provincial or territorial authorities.

No Other Child Benefits

• The child must not be receiving other child benefit payments under parental custody during the same period.

Agency Compliance

• The applying organization must comply with CRA reporting standards and be subject to auditing to ensure proper use of funds.

This ensures that every dollar goes directly toward supporting the children in care.

Payment Amount and Breakdown

In 2025, the CRA has confirmed the CSA rate at $666.41 per month per eligible child.

This amount is tax-free, meaning agencies and foster families receive the full payment directly.
It’s intended to help cover essential costs including:

• Food and nutrition
• Clothing and personal care
• Educational expenses
• Medical and transportation needs
• Other daily living requirements

If a child qualifies for a disability supplement, the total monthly amount may be higher, depending on CRA assessment and documentation.

Children’s Special Allowance Payment Dates (2025)

Payments for the Children’s Special Allowance are typically released on the same schedule as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
For 2025, the following payment dates have been announced:

Month	Payment Date
September 2025	19th
October 2025	20th
November 2025	20th
December 2025	19th

Payments are made through direct bank deposit to the organization or foster family responsible for the child’s care.

How to Apply for the CRA Children’s Special Allowance

The application process for CSA is unique because individual parents or guardians cannot apply directly. Only recognized institutions or child welfare agencies are authorized to apply.

Here’s how the process works:

Child Welfare Agency Enrolment

• The agency or foster organization submits an official application to the CRA on behalf of the child.

Verification by CRA

• CRA verifies the child’s custody status, care arrangement, and the institution’s credentials.

Approval and Recordkeeping

• Once approved, the agency must maintain accurate records of how the allowance is used for the child’s benefit.

Automatic Monthly Payments

• CRA releases the monthly $666.41 payment directly to the approved agency or foster home.

This automated system ensures funds are distributed fairly and efficiently, with accountability at every level.

Accountability and CRA Oversight

Since the Children’s Special Allowance involves public funds, strict oversight is built into the system.
Organizations receiving CSA payments must:

• Maintain detailed records of how funds are spent.
• Undergo periodic audits by the CRA.
• Use the allowance solely for the child’s care and development.

Failure to comply with CRA rules can lead to payment suspension or legal action.

Key Differences Between CSA and CCB

Feature	Children’s Special Allowance (CSA)	Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Who Receives It	Agencies, foster homes, and institutions	Parents or legal guardians
Eligible Children	Children in government or foster care	Children living with parents
Payment Amount (2025)	$666.41 per month per child	Varies by income and age
Tax Status	Tax-free	Tax-free
Administered By	Canada Revenue Agency	Canada Revenue Agency

Both programs aim to ensure that every child in Canada receives fair financial support, regardless of their living situation.

Latest Updates for 2025

• The CSA monthly amount has been updated to $666.41, reflecting inflation adjustments.
• The rate aligns with the maximum Canada Child Benefit for children under six.
• Older children or those with disabilities may have additional amounts depending on their situation.
• Payments remain fully automated and tax-exempt through the CRA system.

Agencies are encouraged to verify details through their CRA account portal or contact the CRA directly for clarification.

Why This Program Matters

For thousands of children across Canada living in foster homes or institutional care, the Children’s Special Allowance provides more than financial assistance — it ensures access to equality, stability, and dignity.

The program guarantees that these children receive the same level of support as their peers in parental households, allowing child welfare organizations to provide quality care without additional financial strain.

It’s a reflection of Canada’s broader mission: to ensure that no child is left behind, no matter their circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA)?
The CSA is a monthly, tax-free payment from the Canada Revenue Agency to child welfare organizations and foster homes caring for children under government custody.

2. How much is the CSA payment in 2025?
In 2025, eligible children will receive $666.41 per month, paid directly to the organization responsible for their care.

3. Who qualifies for the CSA benefit?
Children under 18 in the custody of foster homes, recognized child welfare agencies, or government-approved institutions qualify for this allowance.

4. Can parents apply for CSA?
No. Only child welfare agencies, foster homes, or approved institutions can apply. Parents are not eligible to receive the payment directly.

5. When are CSA payments made?
Payments are made monthly, typically around the same dates as Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — for 2025, these include September 19, October 20, November 20, and December 19.